Conference Course Descriptions

Click on the link to see course description, listed alphabetically within its track.General Session Friday

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Back to Track SelectionContact Lens TrackHands-On TrackABO Exam Review TrackNCLE Exam Review Track

General Session Friday

Art and the Eye: The World Through Blunted SightPhyllis Rakow

This course will look at ocular pathology, particularly that of the aging eye, through the eye of the artist.

Defective vision can have a profound effect on our lives: our personalities, our interests, our careers, and the means by which we express ourselves in art and literature. This lecture will explore the vision defects of famous artists, spanning the centuries, from el Greco to Georgia O’Keeffe, and how their paintings and sculpture are a result of their visual impairments.

Opticians, contact lens technicians, and ophthalmic medical personnel will achieve a better understanding of how the different types of ocular pathology affect vision by viewing slides of the artwork of Cezanne, Renoir, Monet, Degas, Van Gogh, Pissarro, Cassatt, and others before and after their sight became impaired.

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General Session Saturday

OWA-Sponsored SessionSpeaker TBD

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Spectacle Track

Breakthrough TechnologyEd DeGennaroWith the introduction of new lens materials, designs and coatings coming into the market so rapidly, it’s sometimes difficult to keep up with the latest products. This panel discussion will present the latest in lens materials, designs and coatings with an emphasis on their features, benefits and how to best utilize them. It also will provide an insight into products that may be in the pipeline but not yet introduced into the marketplace.

Dispensing To The ElderlyJackie O'KeefeThe demographics of the elderly has changed over the years…today’s seniors are living longer, enjoying active lifestyles, and have more discretionary income than ever before. While they are keeping their bodies younger, they cannot control the changes occurring in their eyes, which greatly affect their vision. We will discuss various milestones and tripstones in regard to the visual changes going on during the aging process. In addition, we will discuss common eye diseases among the elderly and the optical options we can recommend alleviating some of their optical symptoms. By providing optical solutions to their subjective complaints, we can do a lot to help improve their quality of life.

Fill In The BlankMile BrujicBeginning as a blank, a spectacle lens can take many different paths before being ready to be dispensed. This course will outline a systematic approach to selecting lens options for a patient based on their prescription, frame selection and lifestyle considerations. Concepts outlined in the lecture will be illustrated with case presentations.

Geometric and Applied Optics Diane DrakeThis course will deal with the optical formulas that define the performance of ophthalmic lenses. A dispenser familiar with these formulas will be better able to understand prescription problems as they design new lenses to address the multiple issues necessary to supply the best vision for the wearer.

I Spy With My Little Eyes: Taking the Guess Work Out of Children’s VisionMile BrujicThere’s only one way to find out if a child’s eyes are developing properly and that’s to get them examined. Many underlying visual problems are unnoticed by the child. This course will educate the ECP about common children’s vision issues. An emphasis will be placed on the ECP’s role in the diagnosis and treatment of strabismus and amblyopia. Case presentations will be used to demonstrate the concepts discussed.

Improving Protection and Performance with Safety and Sports EyewearBill UnderwoodStatistics on eye injuries should concern consumers and eye care professionals. This course looks at occupational and recreational areas posing the greatest risk and presents the latest products to provide protection and improve performance.

Outperforming Your Competition Utilizing Computerized Dispensing Aids Jackie O'KeefeHow could we ever have functioned without the use of computers and the World Wide Web? Especially now that patient care is on the cutting edge in today’s practices. This course begins with looking at what is available in today’s market and what makes this niche so unique. High tech imaging systems are a great way to educate the patient on premium ophthalmic products encourage multiple pairs and increase your profit margin. Whether used as a fitting tool by the dispenser or interactive learning for the patient, we will learn why computerized electronics can be beneficial to use and how to use them within your practice.

Positively Polarized For Me & My Patients Jackie O'KeefeThe U.S. ophthalmic market has recently seen an increase in the sales of polarized lenses…especially in Rx sun and sportswear. If you are missing out on these profitable phenomena, this course is a must for you. This course looks at how polarized lenses are made, how they work and ways to recommend them. When we understand the need for polarized lenses and how they work, it is most natural when presenting this technology to the patient.

Prism Like A Pro!Ed DegennaroPrism is one of the most misunderstood concepts in the ophthalmic field. When used correctly, it can be of great value. When unwanted, it can be cause mild to severe discomfort, double vision and more. The interesting thing is that prism is actually an easy topic once the basic principles are understood. This course will explore the concept of prism, what it is, how prisms work, how they are prescribed, how they are used in eyeglasses, how to determine unwanted prism, how to read prism in a lensometer, and a look at the prism tolerances in the Z80.1 ANSI standards.

Progressive Lens DesignCarole BratteigWhy are there so many progressive lens designs? Do we really need them? Learn what you need to know about Progressives and how to best choose and fit them for your patients. This course is a panel discussion with 3 experts from the companies who make them.

Reflecting on ReflectionsMile BrujicAnti-reflective coatings are important functionally and cosmetically for patients wearing eyeglasses. This course will discuss the theory and practical implications of this ever evolving technology. It will also focus on case presentations illustrating the importance of utilizing all of the lens technologies available to best meet the visual demands of our patients.

Transitions® Vantage™ Lenses with Variable PolarizationCarole BratteigThis course will introduce Transitions® Vantage™ lenses – the new adaptive lenses from Transitions Optical that are designed to both darken and polarize upon UV exposure to deliver noticeably crisper, sharper vision, even in the brightest outdoor glare. Through the course, the audience will learn how Transitions Vantage lenses not only adapt to changing light but also increase polarization as they darken, optimizing the angle at which light reaches the eyes to help control glare and light scatter. The course reviews traditional polarization and photochromic technology and details the new technology which enables Transitions Vantage lenses, how they work and who they are for.

Troubleshooting the Visually Uncomfortable PatientEd DegennaroNothing can be more frustrating than a patient who isn't comfortable or isn't seeing clearly with his/her new eyeglasses! Sure, you need to recheck the accuracy of the lenses against the work order and the prescription, but there is more to solving these problems than the accuracy of the glasses! There are clues that you can find in the prescription and symptoms patients will tell you as you question them as well as nonprescription things you should look for. This seminar will help you understand these things so you will be able to better serve these patients.

Unequal Refractive Errors and the Effects on Vision Diane DrakePatients want to know what their glasses will look like and we spend time discussing that with them. But…how will they see with their glasses? That’s an even more important question. Unequal refractive errors not only have an effect on how glasses will look, but how a person sees or even “IF” they see WELL. This course will present answers to these questions presenting both spectacle and contact lens options in the discussion.

Verification and Dispensing Diane DrakeVerifying and dispensing eyewear isn’t the same as it was 20-30 years ago. As a matter of fact, new technology evolves so quickly that understanding the concepts of verifying and dispensing eyewear continues to change. Terms like “As Worn”, “Optimized”, “Recalculated” among others take on a whole new meaning. How do you know that what you are dispensing is “What the Doctor Ordered”? Tilt, Wrap, and materials will be discussed. This seminar discusses the latest in lens materials and designs and how we can ensure that your patients/customers are getting the best vision.

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Business Track

Developing an On-line Presence for Your Optical BusinessBob MainThe internet and social media are rapidly growing and every optician needs to decide how they are going to get involved. Having a good web presence on the internet/social media will not only protect market share, but allow you to attract new patients, reduce current purchase cycles and give you the

tools necessary to stay engaged with patients. This session will give you the tools to create a better web presence.

Drive Growth with Effective Marketing and MerchandisingBill RussIn order to grow a business, we have to both market and merchandise effectively. This course will review how to understand your customers, the market conditions and how to drive growth. We will also look at the keys to effective merchandising and how to communicate what you are selling. In addition, we will look at what a well-merchandised office looks like.

Essential Business Skills for Optical Professionals and ManagersCarol NorbeckTo survive and to be promoted, an optical professional needs to be competent in business skills. This course will focus on the essential business skills necessary to survive in today's marketplace. Business plans, reading P&L reports, successful budgeting and inventory control will be discussed. It is important that every new and hopeful manager should attend this course to improve his or her business awareness. Each attendee will leave with a personal action plan for successful business management.

First Aid for Bad ConversationsMike KarlsrudListening to, acknowledging, and then resolving customer concerns can be overwhelming if you don't prepare a plan and process to do so. This session will give you the confidence to deal with and resolve patient objections using a turnkey approach.

Gold at the End of the Road: Selling Your OpticalNikki DiBaccoThe optician owner is, at some point in his or her life, faced with the decision of what to do with the practice they have built up over the years. This course is intended to instruct the optician, whether owner or interested in purchasing a practice, exactly how the purchase price is determined, and what a fair market value for a practice is.

How to Hire the Right Person and Manage Their PerformanceBill RussUnderstanding human resources and staffing are key to running an effective business. This course will cover interviewing basics, evaluations, the difference between managers and leaders, and how to coach.

Mistakes to Avoid in Owning Your Own BusinessCarol NorbeckOwning your own business is the American Dream. 90% of businesses fail in their first year. Learn how to identify the five major mistakes that most of these businesses make. Learn the basic pitfalls to avoid. Understand the dynamics and pressures in "being the owner". Learn the basic elements in successfully starting your own business.

Navigating the Managed Care MazeBill RussWith over 60% of a typical optometry practices' patients coming from managed care plans, it is important for optometrists to understand how to navigate through the managed care maze. This course will cover six tips on how to maintain profitability with managed care plans. This course will also look at

the difference between a discounted plan and a funded plan and the differences in the lab networks. The course addresses how to assess the different managed care plans. We will look at what to do next in the process. We will then address the debate over stand-alone vision plans and their role in health care reform.

Presenting Your Products, Your Services and YourselfMike KarlsrudThis session is designed to help you hone the communication skills necessary to provide information about your products, services and yourself, at a time and in a manner that's most meaningful and compelling to your patients.

Running a Successful Business in a Down EconomyCarol NorbeckThere are five primary areas that are important to focus your business on, especially in an economy that is flat or declining. This seminar is a combination of training and hands-on practice. Included are follow-up exercises for management to use to keep the excitement after the seminar.

The Art of Effective ConversationMike KarlsrudEffective conversation is the key to get you to where you want to be in your life. Simply put, it's the art of asking and listening. Communication has an impact whenever it occurs in both business and personal settings. We can use communication to influence every interaction in a positive way, by developing the skills needed to be effective in the way we give and take information.

Your Vision, Mission and Values for Your PracticeBill RussA good plan will help us accomplish so much more in life. From building a house to building a bridge, having plans will allow you to accomplish a good finished product. The same holds true for a business. We need to make sure we have a strategic plan in place in order to run an effective business. This course will look at the vision and mission of the business. We will also look at setting goals and what are the key business metrics to use for these goals.

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Contact Lens Track

All About Kids – Pediatric Case HistoriesVicky Sheppard and Buddy RussellAll about kids, AAK! The word that some have used when they see that the child sitting in the chair is their next patient. Now, what do you do with them? Pediatric lens fitting, brings fear to some fitters and joy to others find out why it is so important and rewarding.

Anterior Segment Digital PhotographyTrudy Grout

Slit lamp photography with a hand held digital camera is easy and inexpensive. It’s great for patient education, photo documentation and contact lens fittings. This course covers how to choose a camera, set up the shot, lighting strategies and slit lamp views.

Bugs: Friend or Foe?Michael WardWe have more bacterial cells in our bodies than human cells. Microbes educate our immune system and help to protect us. However, if they get into the wrong place (eg. gut bacteria in the eye) they can cause serious pathology. This course will review basic ocular microbiology, including normal ocular flora, ocular defense mechanisms and inflammatory processes will be presented. Techniques for infection prevention and control will be discussed.

Contact Lens Solutions UpdateMichael WardNew MPS products feature dual-disinfection systems and enhanced kill rates against bacteria, fungi, and amoebae. These introductions are part of a new wave of lens care products with enhanced disinfection—developed as part of an industry-wide response to recent outbreaks of atypical lens-associated infections. Not surprisingly, peroxide solutions are also enjoying resurgence. This course will identify current product strengths and the science behind the new developments. Situational and case-specific examples will be used for discussion.

Corneal Topography: Clinical SignificancesJeanAnn VickeryThis course will teach the attendee how to interpret computerized analysis of the cornea using standard indices. The attendee will gain knowledge on how to fully understand the corneal measurement to aid in proper lens selection.

Cosmetic Contact LensesLee HewittThis course will discuss fitting contact lenses that improve both vision and cosmetic appearance of eyes. Soft lenses that are dyed, imprinted, and specialty lenses for movies and Halloween etc. will be covered. The various companies that manufacture and supply these lenses will be discussed at length. To enable the participant to: fit and find suppliers of these special lenses and to how to care for these special contact lenses will be covered.

Dry Eye and Contact Lens WearTrudy GroutDry eye is a very common disorder of the tear film that is due to a deficiency of tear volume or excessive tear evaporation. It is the single most common complaint among contact lens wearers. This course will cover both the influential and critical factors of dry eye, and dry eye management for contact lens wearers.

Fitting the Irregular Cornea: Challenges & SolutionsPhyllis RakowYou will learn about the challenges of fitting the irregular cornea through a series of 10 case histories, which demonstrate successful fitting of keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, pseudokeratoconus, post-refractive surgery ectasias, post-penetrating keratoplasty, and post severe infection and how to fit some of these atypical corneas with GP multifocals.

Fluorescein Pattern InterpretationLee HewittThe fitting of gas permeable contact lenses is made simpler by the use of fluorescein and a cobalt filter. The reading of these patterns is the key to a obtaining a well-fitting gas permeable contact lenses. This course will help the participant to read these patterns and help to decide whether a lens is flat, steep or a well-fitting lens. How to administer fluorescein to evaluate contact lens fit as well corneal health and dry eye will be covered in this lecture.

How to Write Technical Article, Prepare and Present a Lecture, or BothPatrick Goughary and Mike GzikPASS IT ON! Take your professional career to the next level and share your optical expertise with others through writing and/or lecturing. This course will show you how to design an article or lecture from start to finish, including topic selection, organization, visuals, slide design, tricks of the trade, and pitfalls.

Large Diameter GP Lens FittingBuddy RussellThe advent of larger button diameters, improved manufacturing techniques and a better understanding of corneal shapes; larger diameter contact lens diameters are being utilized frequently in practice. This course will discuss the potential benefits of these designs, fitting techniques and evaluation procedures of these patients.

Lens Parameters and Verification of Contact LensesJanet AcaraThis course is a one hour course that is intended to describe, explain, and illustrate the verification process of rigid contact lenses. The main concentration will be using the radiuscope and lensometer when verifying rigid contact lens parameters.

Managing Contact Lens ComplicationsBuddy RussellThe slit lamp may be the most important tool in the practice. Proper use of the various techniques is essential to fully utilize its use in the clinical setting. This course will also review the various contact lens complications that can occur as a result of contact lens wear. The probable causes and the possible cures for each complication will be discussed.

Ocular Emergencies & TriagePhyllis RakowYou will learn to identify emergencies, schedule patients according to the principles of triage in urgent, priority, and routine categories, elicit and record the chief complaint and ocular history, and conduct an appropriate workup. Chemical burns, retinal problems, inflammation, infection, red eyes, angle-closure glaucoma, and ocular trauma will be covered.

Presbyopic Case HistoriesMike GzikThrough the presentation of case histories, the participant will be able to evaluate a presbyopic prescription to determine what will suit the patients’ needs properly. The participant will be able to differentiate the methods of correcting presbyopia to meet these needs. The methods include but are not limited to glasses, distance contacts and glasses, Bi-focal lenses and monovision. Methods of

selecting a proper presbyopic candidate for hydrogel fitting will be discussed. Materials and designs of simultaneous lenses will be presented. Patient management, follow up procedures and instructions will be discussed.

What’s New in Soft Multifocals?JeanAnn VickeryThis course is designed to explain how multifocal soft lenses work optically. Today there are a myriad of designs available. Attendees will learn how to maximize best lens selections based on spectacle lens correction, patient expectations, occupation, and overall ocular surface.

Why Do We…See the Way We See?Patrick GougharyMany tasks and procedures performed daily by ophthalmic personnel become so routine, that we lose sight of the underlying optical theory that makes these procedures so important. This basic level course specifically looks at the mechanics of how images are created by the eye, but also how perceptual information supplied by the brain results in what we call “vision.” Understanding of this information is especially helpful in deciphering patient symptoms and complaints.

Why Do We…Work With Optical Power?Patrick GougharyMany tasks and procedures performed daily by ophthalmic personnel become so routine, that we lose sight of the underlying optical theory that makes these procedures so important. This basic level course specifically looks at the theory behind optical power, beginning with an explanation of the power of light. Then a number of practical applications are discussed in terms of how the theory plays an important part in understanding the way we perform tasks.

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Hands-On Track

Advanced LensometryMike SzczerbiakThis course is designed for the optician who has lensometry skills like spotting optical centers and neutralizing basic prescriptions but wants to improve skills in measuring prism and multifocals. Advanced Slit Lamp UseRay DennisThis course is intended for intermediate and advanced levels. The program will review the steps of a slit lamp exam for contact lens wearers. It will identify the anatomy that is evaluated during the exam and review the different types of illuminations used to best evaluate the anatomy and contact lens.

Application Tips and Tricks for Fresnel Press-on PrismsBlair Wong

Confused on how to apply that Fresnel Press-on Prism periodically sent your way? This course will demonstrate how to perform this technique efficiently, with perfect results every time.

Compression Mounting Adjustments, Repairs, AssemblyRichard McCoyThis course will cover basic repairs that are encountered in the modern Opticianry practice. The course will consist of a ten-minute lecture to acquaint the participants with various tools to manage in office repairs. Furthermore, supplemental tools and supplies will be discussed. Different procedures will be discussed to facilitate a variety of repair scenarios. The remainder of the course will be devoted to hands on practice exercises at five workstations.

Computerized MeasurementsBill UnderwoodAdvanced lens designs and digital surfacing provide an opportunity to individualize patient’s eyewear. To take full advantage of this customization, precise measurements are required. Computerized image capture and measuring systems can now record the eye data, frame data and behavior data for every patient. This course will provide an in-depth description of current systems and provide an opportunity for hands-on measurements.

Hand MagnifiersRichard McCoyHand magnifiers are among the most frequently prescribed low vision devices. This course will describe how to maximize their effectiveness for the patients you work with by understanding their optical properties and correct usage. This course will discuss different hand magnifiers, the characteristics of each type and reinforce the techniques for proper use.

ID Progressive Lens BrandsJim ReeseThe number of progressive lens designs has increased dramatically over the past five years. Identification of the specific brand is essential to lens recommendation, verification and troubleshooting. This course will provide the knowledge and hands-on practice to enhance your PAL identification skills.

Introduction to LensometryMike SzczerbiakThis course will review the basics of lensometry for the beginner optician, or serve as a refresher or cross-training course.

Introduction to Slit Lamp UseRay DennisThis course is intended for students at beginning and intermediate experience levels with this instrument. The program will review the parts of the slit lamp, show how to operate the slit lamp and will describe and demonstrate the different types of illumination.

Mastering Lens MeasurementsJim ReeseThis course will review how to do the most common spectacle lens measurements correctly to ensure our patient has the vision and visual comfort that the doctor intended.

Ocular Dissection – Anatomy of the EyeMichael Stewart, MDUnderstanding ocular anatomy is a prerequisite for learning physiology and diseases. This course will feature careful dissection of cow eyes. Anatomic findings will be correlated with common disease entities.

Soft Contact Lens Insertion and RemovalYvonne MettenOnce the goal of determining the appropriate contact lens parameters completed, it is now time to provide our patients with personalized instruction concerning the usage of contact lenses and properly caring for their new lenses. This course is designed to help the contact lens practitioner learn how to be more efficient in initial contact lens visits by inserting and removing soft and gas permeable lenses quickly and easily; understanding the proper hygiene and the do’s and don’ts of contact lens wear; determining the appropriate wearing schedule; and the best lens care system.

Soft Lens Fit and EvaluationRobert RussoIn a simple, straight-forward manner, this hands-on course will review the steps in choosing the appropriate spherical soft lens parameters for an appropriate fit. We’ll also evaluate the lens fit with the slit lamp.

Topography and Keratometry in Contact Lens FittingRobert RussoThis hands-on session is recommended for participants who have had less than one year of experience working with the manual keratometer or topographer. This basic introductory hands-on session provides practical experience in the use of the manual and the automated keratometer.

Verification of GP LensesYvonne MettenThis hands-on course will review the importance of verifying gasperm lenses upon receipt from the lab, which instruments are a must in any contact lens dispensary, and finally will demonstrate how to properly verify gasperm lenses. Verifying GP lenses prior to dispensing will ensure the parameters are as ordered and inspected for quality.

What are All These Adjustment Tools and How Do I Use Them?Richard McCoyToday’s demanding eyewear consumer wants fashion, great vision and eyewear that “fits like a glove.” This course provides the student with a functional knowledge of various hand tools and their usage in the adjustment of today’s modern frames.

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ABO Exam Review Track

Anatomy of the EyeDiane DrakeThis course is designed to give an overview of the human eye. The basic parts of the eye and their function will be covered. The refractive power of the eye, refractive conditions and corrective lenses will be discussed. Accommodations, color vision, and the concept of visual acuity will be presented.

Basic Optical Principals and CalculationsMolly DrenenThe primary objective of this class is to review the basic calculations that are used by opticians and optical laboratories. This informative class provides an overview of the metric system, transposition, optical crosses, spherical equivalent, focal length, nominal power, boxing system and finishing room calculations.

Business ManagementDiane DrakeThis course will cover information regarding the management of an optical business. Information will include organizations and professions, patient confidentiality, ethical standards, guidelines and standards, employee policies, communication, training, business plan, marketing, accounting principles, purchasing and budgeting, financial statements, and finally, inventory.

Designing and Dispensing EyewearDiane DrakeThis is an interactive course that will challenge the attendee to review scenarios and deduce the correct solution to the patient/customer needs. You will learn investigative techniques to determine their true visual, functional and aesthetic requirements. The tools include detailed interviews, optical analysis, multiple measurements and custom fitting.

Frame Materials, Selection and AdjustmentsTracy BennettThis course begins with the basics of learning what all of the frame parts and classifications are, and there are many. We will take an in-depth look at plastic and metal frame materials of today. This course continues with the fundamentals of frame adjustments, starting with the fitting triangle to ensure an individual and comfortable fit for the patient. And a review of the frame selection will be included.

Ophthalmic Lens Characteristics, Designs, Materials and CoatingsTracy BennettThe primary objective of this class is to thoroughly review both the physical and visual characteristics common to all prescription spectacle lenses. This review of various refractive errors such as hyperopia, myopia, astigmatism and presbyopia and then reviews the characteristics of lenses that restore proper vision.

Ophthalmic PrismsBrent McCardlePrisms, wanted and unwanted are part of everyday life for the optician. This course will review aspects related to interpreting prescriptions, calculating prisms and determining if the manufactured lenses meet ANSI standards.

Optical FormulasBrent McCardleThis one hour course will review optical formulas that are commonly used by opticians. The formula, a sample question and the theory of the formula will be presented. A basic understanding of the metric system as it relates to eyewear and patient measurements will also be reviewed.

Professional Dispensing, Regulations and StandardsMolly DrenenAs a professional dispenser, it is our responsibility to understand standards for product quality and manufacture, which types of frame and lenses are indicated for safety uses, state and national regulations and the commonly accepted standard of care for our field. Armed with this information, not only can we better inform our eyewear customers about issues important to them, but also comprehend when it is incumbent upon us and our duty to warn concerning products purchased.

Surfacing and FinishingBrent McCardleIn this digital age of automation and specialization, the theory and technology of lens fabrication has become a mystery to many ECPs. This interactive course will reveal the computations, instruments and equipment needed to fabricate and verify eyewear.

Visual AssessmentDiane DrakeThis course will cover refractive errors of the eye, pathology, systemic medical conditions, surgical procedures and visual assessment. Included will be information that will benefit the participant regarding understanding the patient’s visual needs in analyzing the prescription and detecting and verifying prescription irregularities and recognizing limitations of the prescription.

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NCLE Exam Review Track

Anatomy & Physiology / NomenclatureLedonna BucknerThe course will list and identify the structures of the eye pertinent to contact lens fitting, explaining the functions. It will also discuss the different terminology used in contact lens fitting.

Atlas of ComplicationsBuddy RussellThis course covers contact lens fitting problems from poorly-fitted lenses to well-fitted lenses that can cause problems. It covers contact lens-associated problems such as corneal edema, corneal vascularization, giant papillary conjunctivitis and eye threatening complications.

Contact Lens Indications & ContraindicationsLedonna BucknerDeciding whether or not a patient is suitable for contact lens wear is the primary criteria for wearing success. This course will review the specific situations where a contact lens is indicated, such as refractive errors, regular and irregular astigmatism and post-injury or surgery. Also described will be situations where contact lens wear may be less than ideal, ie. dry eye, eyelid incongruity, poor manual dexterity and inability to properly comply with wear schedules and accessory solution instructions.

Dispensing and Follow-up of Daily Wear LensesRobert RussoThis course will present basic instruction on post-fitting contact lens patient management. Necessary assessment techniques for evaluating CL patient compliance and troubleshooting through symptoms analysis and proper questioning will be presented.

GP Single Vision and ToricsMike GzikThis one-hour course is intended to describe, explain, and illustrate the particular designs and fitting techniques for correcting myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism with GP lenses. The mechanisms and applications of spherical, aspheric, back toric, bitoric, and front toric GP lens designs will be illustrated and discussed.

Introduction to the Keratometer and BiomicroscopeJanet AcaraThis one-hour course is intended to describe, explain, and illustrate the use and value of the two instruments, the keratometer and biomicroscope (slit lamp). The mechanisms and applications for use of these two instruments will be illustrated and explained. This course will emphasize the purpose and use of these instruments in the fitting of contact lenses.

Management of Irregular AstigmatismMike WardIrregular corneal astigmatism occurs almost always in keratoconus and pellucid marginal degeneration, along with an estimated 25% of eyes after penetrating keratoplasty or after corneal injury. Often, the method of achieving a functional optical result is with contact lenses; GPs, hybrid designs, or tandem systems. This course will describe those ocular conditions which result in irregular astigmatism, why contact lenses are indicated for their correction rather than spectacles, plus the methodology for choosing and designing a contact lens system that will provide optical results for the patient.

Optics and Nomenclature of Contact LensesJanet AcaraIndex of refraction of the tears, cornea and contact lens material? SAM and FAP? Back vertex versus front vertex power? Multifocal versus bifocal power? Spherical versus asphere versus bi-asphere?

Corneal shape factors? These items and more comprise the basic optics of contact lens systems and we will discuss them all in an easy straightforward manner – taking the mystery out of contact lens optics.

Presbyopia CL CorrectionRobert RussoWe’re all aging, right? And we all have reading issues – whether it’s uncorrected, with spectacles or when wearing contact lenses. There are possible methods we can employ where our patients don’t mind so much being presbyopic – multifocal and bifocal contact lenses that actually perform. Many of these designs are available today. I will discuss what’s available in contact lenses, how they work, when we should use each type and how to manage the expectations of the presbyope.

Soft Single Vision Contact LensesTrudy GroutThis course will cover the background concepts of basic soft and GP contact lens fitting – corneal curvature, ocular structure, lens material characteristics, fitting systems, lens evaluation, fluorescein pattern evaluation and troubleshooting.

Soft Toric Contact Lens FittingTrudy GroutLook at an Rx, choose a manufacturer, select a lens – that’s all there is to soft fitting, right? Hardly! Understanding the specific spectacle Rx and patient visual needs, analyzing the corneal curvature, pupil size and corneal diameter; knowing which materials are more compatible for the dry eye; is spherical, toric or multifocal best for a patient; what solutions work best for which patient or lens? This course will describe this and more regarding the fitting of soft contact lenses.

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